Personally I soak the seeds for 12 hours, if they sink or not, and then plant them. I have a 95% success rate this way, and all the sprouts will usually pop through during days 3-5.
Every time I try the paper towel method, they all will germ, but only around 30-40% of them will sprout after planting, the rest always die off. Even though it does work for the most part, it seems like alot of unnecessary risk, when you could just do it natures way. You will be assured of success, and not have to risk at all killing that $20-30 seed you just bought.